Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
820. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the exempted development guidelines for residential development will be brought into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12666/26]
View answer821. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the proposed planning exemptions for modular units will be introduced; and if he will allow flexibility for side placement and generous square footage in constrained sites. [12788/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 820 and 821 together.
Significant progress on the review of Exempted Development Regulations has been made. A successful public consultation took place last year with over 900 submissions received via the online portal. The details in these submissions have been reviewed and have informed the on-going drafting of the updated Exempted Development Regulations that will be forthcoming across 2026.
The implementation of the update of these regulations is being done on a phased basis, by theme, with priority already having been given to the exemptions relating to domestic dwellings. These domestic dwellings regulations are at advanced draft stage and include exemptions for stand-alone detached housing units in the back gardens of residential properties. The final decisions on the specifics of these regulations will be communicated and brought forward for implementation as soon as possible.
The new draft Exempted Development Regulations will be subject to formal environmental consideration, before being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. This will also necessitate engagement with the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, which is expected to take place during 2026, an appearance will be sought before the Committee at the earliest opportunity once drafting of updated regulations is complete.
It is intended that updated Exempted Development Regulations for residential development, including cycle storage will be signed into law as soon as possible.
